Houston Health System Leaders Announce New Bioengineering Center to Fight Cancer

Two Houston organizations recently announced the creation of a new hub that will focus on the development of cell therapies, nanotechnology, cancer vaccines, artificial intelligence and molecular imaging.

Rice University and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center have partnered to “drive industry growth and advance life-saving technologies” through the new Cancer Bioengineering Collaborative, according to a press release announcing the initiative.

Collaboration between the two institutions includes basic and translational cancer research, development of new technologies for cancer detection and treatment, and securing external funding to support further research and training.

The center will be led by Gang Bao, a Rice researcher and investigator at the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT), and Dr. Jeffrey Molldrem of MD Anderson.

“There is enormous potential in bringing together engineering and cancer experts in this focused collaborative framework that is truly unique, not only because of the complementary nature of each other’s strengths, but also because it is the first formal joint research initiative of its kind between the two institutions,” Bao, department chair and Foyt Family Professor of Bioengineering, professor of chemistry, materials science, nanoengineering and mechanical engineering, said in the release.

The joint effort will also host monthly seminars focused on cancer bioengineering, annual retreats to highlight research and international leaders in cancer and bioengineering, and a seed grant program to fund research projects in the early stages of development.

“From fundamental discoveries in cancer, tumor immunology and patient care to innovative technical advances in drug delivery systems, nanostructures and synthetic biology, there is great potential for interdisciplinary collaboration to develop new technologies and approaches for detecting, monitoring and treating cancer,” Molldrem, chair of the Department of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy at MD Anderson, said in the release. “Our goal is to bridge the gap between bioengineering and cancer research to create transformative solutions that dramatically improve patient outcomes.”

Dr. Jeff Molldrem (left) and Gang Bao will lead the new collaboration center. Photo via MD Anderson